Fixed and plunge bases, variable speed. Will do just about anything you can ask of it.

- Dan Hulbert

Agreed. Dan’s choice is very flexible. In addition, since the motor is separate (it’s not a separate unit on a dedicated plunge router), you can mount it in a router lift, like a JessEm, on a router table if you decide to.

-- No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

I’d also recommend that router. Really, I’d recommend any Porter Cable router that fits your budget. Having both bases is nice if it’s affordable for you but it’s not a necessity. There are many good routers out there, PC is just what I own and have experience with.

The first router I bought was a Ryobi, and I have been happy with it. But I need one with a half inch collet, so I am going to get a Porter-Cable. At my local Woodcraft store, I can trade in my Ryobi for $50 towards the P-C.

Pretty much any of the ‘name’ routers will do just fine. I do recommend, as others have, that you get the kit with plunge and fixed bases. I have one Porter-Cable, one Milwaukee Body Grip, and two Bosch 1617’s. I reach for the Bosch routers mostly, and I suppose it’s because I like their plunge base so well – being smooth and easy to adjust for depth. So, since they (including Dewalt) will all do a fine job, just go for the least expensive. I think you can get the Bosch kit for about $170, if memory is correct. I don’t think any of the ones I mentioned will disappoint.

As for bits, good ones are always the right choice, but I did buy one of those assorted bit collections at Home Depot or Lowes. Some woodworkers sneer at those cheap bits, but they work just fine. And the good news is that every now and then I’ll need to do a little routing like I’ve not done before, and I can shop around in that collection of bits and often find what I need.

You are going to want a trim router too. Sooner or later. The Bosch Colt and the Dewalt offer plunge bases for their trim routers, and I got th Bosch one. It takes the Bosch router guides. So glad I got that plunge base.

The dewalt 611 is a fantastic machine. I have one and nearly all of my hand routing is done with it but i do have a larger dewalt 618 in my router table for non handheld work. The 618 is also a nice tool and would be a nice starting point. There is a multi base kit offered with the 618 motor. The 611 will limit you to 1/4” collets, the 618 offers 1/4” & 1/2”.

With that said a better recommendation could be given if you tell us a little about the work you plan to do. There is not a one size fits all answer to your question.

The best answer i could offer would be to think of the next project or two you would like to build. What tool will fill your needs on those projects?

Normally I’d say that a trim router wouldn’t be the best ‘first router’, but with the two bases available now a fellow could probably do most of his small project routing with one. I use mine a lot. Being limited to 1/4 inch Collet would be a problem from time to time though. Probably best to get the two-base router package that’ll handle larger bits and have a 1/2 inch Collet. If cost is a real big factor, I think Fine Woodworking rated the two-base Skil router as a best value purchase. Google up that review and read it. If that router has the two collets (1/2 and 1/4), there’s your cost winner. It isn’t the best router out there, but it should do fine as a starter set.

That router seems like a solid tool and if a trim router will do the work you require, then go for it. Personally, I wouldn’t purchase one that couldn’t accept a 1/2” bit. If, in the future, you decide you also need a router for heavier work, you’re going to want “beefier” bits and will likely end up purchasing duplicates of some. The set linked below is in between the 2.25 hp one Dan linked and the 1.25 hp trim router and is in between in price as well. IMHO, the added hp and ability to use 1/2” bits is worth the extra $ if you can swing it. If not, I think the Dewalt is a good choice at the price point.

The speed control “hunts” when turning big bits at lower settings, there’s some slop in the adjustment mechanism which requires a consistent approach, the plunge isn’t as smooth as it could be, etc., but for $100 I think it’s a great way to get started.